Returning Value Blog

Offering a broad menu of employee benefits can help your business attract and retain skilled workers. One benefit that’s popular among employees with families is employer-provided child care. Although this option hasn’t been financially feasible for many small businesses, recent tax law changes may give you a reason to reconsider opening (or upgrading) a child care facility, contracting with a child care provider, or participating in a jointly operated arrangement. Here’s an overview of the credit and how it’s been enhanced starting in 2026.

Alabama's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend: July 17–19, 2025

The State of Alabama will participate in its 21st annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, beginning Friday, July 17, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. and ending at midnight on Sunday, July 19, 2026. During this three-day event, shoppers can purchase a variety of school-related items free of the state’s 4% sales tax, keeping in mind that local sales tax may still apply, depending on whether your city or county is participating in the tax holiday.

Persistent inflation, elevated interest rates, and volatile energy costs continue to squeeze profit margins for many small and midsize businesses. While implementing price increases may seem like the simplest response, that’s not always necessary — and, in today’s competitive markets, price increases can even cause some of your customers to search for lower-cost providers. Sustainable pricing decisions start with disciplined cost controls. One broad area to target for operational inefficiencies is overhead expenses.

Although your business may seem big to you, you may wonder how the government classifies it for tax purposes. If your organization qualifies as a “small business,” you may enjoy several important tax advantages. But the rules for specific tax provisions vary. So, depending on your size, you might be eligible for some so-called small business breaks but not others. Here’s a closer look.

Bank reconciliation is one of the simplest — and most effective — internal controls for private businesses. Done consistently and correctly, it helps ensure your financial records are reliable and free from errors or unauthorized transactions. With today’s increased use of automated bank feeds and tools backed by artificial intelligence (AI), bank reconciliation may feel easier than ever. But that convenience can also lead to overlooked mistakes.

Launching a start-up comes with no shortage of big decisions and fast-moving priorities. In the rush to grow, financial fundamentals can sometimes take a back seat — often with costly consequences. Some common accounting missteps that new business owners should avoid include:

When buying new accounting software or upgrading your existing solution, it’s critical to evaluate your options carefully. The right platform can streamline operations and improve financial reporting accuracy. However, the wrong one can result in reporting delays, compliance risks, security breaches, and strategic missteps. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.